In the Commodore's Hands

by Mary Nichols

  ‘Harry! You devil!’ Jay’s eyes lit with pleasure. ‘Where did you spring from?’

  ‘I have just arrived from Calais. Speaking of that drink…’

  Jay looked about him. There was no one in the street. He ushered Lisette and then Harry into the Embassy and shut the door. The bent old beggar stood upright; he was even taller than Jay. He was not old either, being in his early fifties, and his eyes, which had seemed dull, gleamed with intelligence and humour.

  ‘Lisette, this is Lord Portman,’ Jay said. ‘I am sure you have heard my father mention his name. Harry, meet Miss Giradet, though for the moment she is known as Mrs Drymore.’

  ‘How do you do, Mrs Drymore.’ He executed a flourishing bow, which was so incongruous set against his rags that she burst out laughing. ‘You like my disguise?’ he queried.

  ‘It is very convincing,’ she said. ‘How do you do it?’

  ‘I once trod the boards with Jay’s grandmother when I was a mere stripling and played many roles, even old men. Alas, I am no longer a stripling, but I can still play a part.’

  Sam came into the hall from the back of the house. ‘I thought I heard voices…’ He stopped suddenly. ‘Lord Portman. Well, I’ll be damned.’

  ‘I did not deceive you then, Sam?’

  ‘I have seen you in too many guises, my lord, to be taken in.’

  ‘Show his lordship up to one of the spare rooms and take some hot water up for him to wash that dreadful stuff off his face and teeth,’ Jay told Sam. ‘And find him some decent clothes.’

  Harry followed Sam up the stairs while Lisette went into the kitchen to tell Madame Gilbert there would be a guest for dinner and they would like some refreshment to stave off the hunger pangs until then.

  It was over tea and some unappetising cakes that they sat down to talk. Harry had changed into some of Jay’s clothes and though he was able to wear Jay’s stockings, his shoes were too small. ‘I trust you will excuse me, coming into your presence in stockinged feet, Mrs Drymore,’ he said, maintaining the pretence in case the concierge was listening. ‘And in this suit. Truly, Jay is not the most fashionably dressed of men. It comes with being a sailor and then a farmer, I think.’

  ‘It is not a good idea to be too well dressed in Paris now,’ Jay said. ‘Your usual flamboyant garb would have you hanging from the nearest lamp post at the blink of an eye.’

  ‘I am aware of that.’

  ‘Do you also know you are a wanted man?’

  ‘I guessed that might be so.’

  ‘Then why, in heaven’s name, risk coming back?’

  ‘I heard from your father what was afoot and decided you might be glad of a little help, so here I am. I came with Nat Kingslake and Joe Potton. I left them playing cards with mine host at the tavern where we are lodging. They will no doubt have lost their money by the time I return, but it is good to keep in with the local population, especially one as helpful as Monsieur Barnard has been.’ Nat was Nathaniel Kingslake, brother-in-law of Lord Cadogan, who, as Sir Ashley Saunders, was another prominent member of the Society, and Joe had been rescued by James from poverty and a life of crime in Ely when he was ten years old and been given an education and a job, but he had never lost the ability to live on his wits.

  ‘I am obliged to you,’ Jay said. ‘Five heads are better than two.’

  ‘Better than three,’ Lisette corrected him. ‘Now we are six.’

  ‘You, madam, will stay out of it,’ Jay said.

  ‘Oh, dear, do I detect a little dissension?’ Harry queried.

  ‘Lisette is not here at my behest,’ Jay told him. ‘She smuggled herself aboard the yacht and I am stuck with her.’

  ‘How ungallant you are, my friend. I wonder she bothers with you.’

  ‘We are stuck with each other,’ Lisette said, not to be outdone. ‘The Commodore is being very difficult. I am sure I can help, but he will not tell me what his plans are.’

  ‘Jay was always one to play his cards close to his chest, Mrs Drymore. It is why he won so many battles at sea and earned his promotion. You may safely trust him.’

  ‘I would if he would only confide in me, but he tells me nothing. I don’t think he knows what to do and he will not listen to my ideas.’

  ‘What ideas?’ Harry asked. ‘I am listening.’

  ‘I could dress up as Michel and change places with him. We are very alike and when we were children often used to dress in each other’s clothes and pretend to be each other. It was a game we played with our friends.’

  ‘And what do you hope to achieve?’ Jay demanded. ‘Have you thought how you will escape when the prison guards find out they have been duped? Do you imagine they will simply let you go?’

  ‘Probably not.’

  ‘Now can you see why I will not let her become involved?’ Jay asked Harry. ‘Her ideas are madness.’

  ‘Jay has a point, madam,’ Harry said. ‘If you took your brother’s place, you would be signing your own death warrant. We cannot allow that.’ Then, to Jay, ‘What have you done so far?’

  ‘I discovered Michel is being held in La Force, but where exactly we do not yet know. Prisoners are taken from there to the Conciergerie a day or two before their trial and held there after sentencing until the tumbril comes to take them to the guillotine. They are, of course, guarded closely at all times.’

  ‘What is he being charged with?’

  ‘I have not heard the formal arraignment, but Sam heard that he is accused of planning counter-revolution, aiding and abetting the escape of the ci-devant Comte Giradet from prison, and assaulting a member of a provincial assembly on his lawful business.’

  ‘That is surely enough to hang any man.’

  ‘None of it is true,’ Lisette said. ‘He had nothing to do with Papa’s escape, as Jay perfectly knows, and as for assaulting Henri Canard—can you blame him when the man is squatting in our home as if he owned it?’

  ‘When is the trial to be?’

  ‘We don’t know,’ Jay said. ‘I don’t think the date has been fixed. Perhaps they do not have a strong enough case to condemn him and are looking for more evidence. Until we can discover exactly where Giradet is being held and can gain access to him, Lisette and I must continue to play our part as a British envoy and his wife.’

  ‘Aah.’

  Madame Gilbert knocked and entered and said their dinner was on the table and they repaired to the dining room to eat boiled mutton and some tarts, which were more turnips than meat. It was followed by stewed apple, making a real peasant meal for which the housekeeper made no apology. They were joined by Sam at Jay’s behest.

  ‘Can you do anything to help us, my lord?’ Lisette asked when the concierge left them to serve themselves.

  ‘It needs some thought and careful preparation.’

  ‘That is exactly what I have been saying,’ Jay said. ‘We cannot go at it with guns half-cocked.’

  ‘It is best not to use guns, either cocked or half-cocked,’ Harry said.

  Jay laughed. ‘You know what I mean.’

  ‘Yes.’ Harry turned to Lisette. ‘Jay is right, you know. Until the date of your brother’s trial has been fixed, he will come to no harm where he is. In truth, he is better off, for out on the streets he could well become the victim of the mob. I must caution you to be patient.’

  ‘I know, but it is difficult. If only I could see Michel and talk to him, to let him know we are working on his behalf, I would feel so much easier in my mind.’

  ‘If you are as much like your brother as you say you are, I would not recommend you go anywhere near La Force,’ Jay said.

  ‘Lord Portman will show me how to disguise myself.’

  ‘Oh, will I?’ Harry said. ‘I have no wish to fall out with your husband.’

  ‘He is not my husband.’

  ‘While you are in Paris, I am,’ Jay said. ‘And a most inconvenient spouse you are to boot. When we go back to England is another matter.’ He paused and changed tack. ‘Tell me, Harry, have
you been to Highbeck recently?’

  ‘I was there last week. They are all well, though your mother is worried about you. There are such gruesome tales being told in the newspapers, she is half-convinced she will never see you again and she is inclined to blame your father for aiding and abetting you to go.’

  ‘I have never known them quarrel.’

  ‘Oh, they are not quarrelling. Like all good wives, she is suffering in silence. I only found out from one of your sisters.’

  ‘See,’ Jay said to Lisette. ‘Even Harry thinks good wives should keep their own counsel and do not defy their lords.’

  ‘Then it is as well our state of matrimony is only temporary,’ she said with some asperity.

  Jay changed the subject and turned back to Harry. ‘Did you see Edward and Anne?’

  ‘To be sure I did. I was taken to see an enormous eel in the moat which they told me no one was allowed to catch because they wanted to see how long it would grow. they did not believe me when I said it would swim away to find a mate and make more little eels. When I told them I should shortly see you, they sent their respectful regards and hoped you would both be home soon. I think they like you, Mrs Drymore.’

  ‘And I am very fond of them. Was my father well?’

  ‘Yes, but pining for you and for his son. He told me he was very vexed with you for going off as you did and putting yourself in danger, but I was to tell you he forgave you and prayed for your safe return. I assured him I would add my weight to Jay’s to bring matters to a successful outcome.’

  ‘Thank you,’ she said. The advent of Lord Portman with his cheerful optimism had made her feel much better, and even Jay seemed to have regained some of his good humour. They finished their meal in pleasant conversation, in which Harry told of some of his adventures, making light of dangerous situations, and Jay countered with stories of his days at sea.

  When the repast was finished, Harry laid down his cutlery and stood up. ‘Thank you, madam, for an entertaining meal. I can hardly be truthful and call it delicious. When we are all back in England, you and Jay, and your brother too, shall be my guests. Rosamund will welcome you, I know. Now I must go back to Nat and Joe or they will wonder what has become of me.’ He went off to put on his down-at-heel shoes and picked up his bundle of rags. ‘I shall need these again, no doubt. I will return your clothes next time we meet.’ He bowed to Lisette. ‘Good day, madam.’

  ‘I am going out myself,’ Jay said, retrieving his hat and outdoor coat from a cupboard in the vestibule. ‘I will accompany you as far as the corner.’ To Lisette, he said, ‘I do not know when I shall be back. Do not wait supper for me.’

  He followed Harry out of the house, leaving Lisette to spend the evening alone.

  ‘You are taking a very great risk,’ Jay said as they walked. ‘Mama said you were nearly caught the last time you were here and had decided not to come again.’

  ‘But I could not let you struggle on alone when it is within my power to help. I did not say anything in front of Miss Giradet, but her father is very weak and confused. Your mother has employed a nurse to look after him. Let us hope the safe arrival of both his children will effect a cure.’

  ‘I hope so too.’

  ‘Whose idea was it for Miss Giradet to be your wife?’

  ‘Mine. It was after she insisted on coming with me. As a respectable British diplomat, I could hardly arrive with a mistress.’

  ‘Mistress?’ Harry queried, one eyebrow raised.

  ‘No, of course not, but that is how it would be viewed.’

  ‘And she agreed?’

  ‘I think she would have agreed to anything to be allowed to stay with me.’

  ‘Aah.’

  ‘I wish you would not say “Aah” in that knowing fashion, Harry. It is the second time you have done so today. There is nothing between Miss Giradet and me, nor will there be. We have naught in common.’

  ‘Except pig-headedness.’ Harry laughed. ‘Tell me, has she made you a good wife?’

  ‘In so far as she accompanied me to a supper party at Robespierre’s and managed not to embarrass me.’ He chuckled suddenly. ‘She told them she could not speak French and enjoyed herself no end when the ladies retired and they spent a whole hour trying to understand each other.’

  ‘She has a sense of humour, then.’

  ‘Yes. When she is not being argumentative, she can be good company. And don’t you dare “Aah” me again.’

  ‘Then I will refrain. But have a care, Jay, you might find yourself falling in love.’

  ‘I don’t think so.’

  ‘It is not something you can control and I tell you this from experience. I was determined not to fall in love with my wife, but I did. I promise you I have never regretted it.’

  ‘Then you were lucky.’

  ‘Oh, no doubt of it. You could be too.’

  ‘Shall we speak of other things?’ Jay said to stop him enlarging on this theme which made him feel decidedly uncomfortable. ‘How to rescue the lady’s brother, for instance. You brought the Comte and Comtesse d’Estrange safely to England. How did you manage that?’

  ‘I took over the tumbril that was to take them to the guillotine. We were surrounded by a mob, baying for blood, but I used it to my advantage. I appealed to the maréchaussée that if they did not whisk the prisoners away, Madame Guillotine would be deprived of two of her victims before they even reached her. They forced a way through so that we could drive down a side alley. While they were busy holding off the crowd at the head of the alley, we made our escape. We went to the tavern where I am staying now and changed our clothes. I had a coach and fast horses waiting nearby and forged passes. It was planned down to the last minute.’

  ‘But you did have a narrow escape.’

  ‘Yes, the maréchaussée were soon on our tail, but we managed to outwit them.’

  ‘When I was with Robespierre, he asked for the names of the Piccadilly Gentlemen who have been helping the émigrés and he expects me to provide them. How he found out about them I have no idea. He must have spies everywhere. It was hinted that peace between our countries might depend upon them being brought to book. Now you are here, it makes it doubly awkward.’ He paused. ‘There is another difficulty I had not envisaged. Gerald Wentworth is in Paris.’

  ‘The devil he is! What is he doing here?’

  ‘I do not know, but it can’t be good.’

  ‘Have you met?’

  ‘We were accosted by him on the way out of the Conciergerie earlier today.’

  ‘We?’

  ‘Lisette was with me. Fortunately he has never met her and I introduced her as my wife. He seemed to think that was cause for merriment.’

  ‘Does Miss Giradet know about Marianne?’

  ‘Only that she died in a riding accident. I did not see that it would help to tell her any more than that. Did you know she is Wentworth’s niece?’

  Harry whistled. ‘No, I had no idea.’

  ‘Lisette’s mother was his sister. She became estranged from the family when she married the Comte and Lisette had never met any of them until today. Unfortunately she is curious.’

  ‘She deserves the truth, Jay. After all, you have done nothing to be ashamed of—quite the opposite.’

  ‘I know, but I have been putting it off. I try not to think about it at all because it makes me angry and having to drag it up again and explain myself is going to be hard. I have enough to contend with without that.’

  ‘Does Wentworth know who the Piccadilly Gentlemen are?’

  ‘I don’t know, but I doubt it. You have not been active of late and my father has been talking of winding up the Association. You are all past the first bloom of youth.’

  ‘You do have a way of making a fellow feel good, Jay. I’ll have you know I’m as fit as a man half my age.’

  Jay laughed. ‘And twice as wily.’

  ‘You may be thankful for that, ere long, my friend.’

  ‘I meant it as a compliment.’
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br />   They had arrived at the corner of the street where they stopped. ‘I have to meet Pierre Martin,’ Jay said. ‘He is my go-between with the National Convention. I think he is going to suggest I appease Robespierre by promising him at least some of the names he asked for. I’ll have to prevaricate. There is nothing would make me betray you.’

  ‘That goes without saying, Jay. Come and see me when you are done. I will be at the Cross Keys. It’s in the Rue St Antoine. Bring Sam. We can talk business.’

  ‘It might be late.’

  ‘No matter. Any time before midnight.’

  Jay watched Harry walk away. He seemed perfectly at ease, but Jay was worried. Harry’s was one of the names Robespierre wanted and his presence in Paris put him in great danger. He would have to persuade him his help was not needed and he and the others should go home. It was a great pity because he could be a great asset. He would meet them later and glean as much advice as possible before they left. It meant he would not have that talk with Lisette as planned, but that was just as well. The truth might easily sully their relationship, tenuous as it was; she might even go off to meet Wentworth. Even thinking about such a possibility had him clenching his fists.

  Lisette roamed about the house all evening, poking into rooms she had not entered before, reading the titles on the books in the library, even going so far as to pull one out, but she could not settle to read. There was too much going on in her head. Did Jay go out on purpose to avoid talking to her about her uncle? Early on she had been convinced there was antipathy between the two men, but now she realised it was downright enmity. What had happened between them? Who was in the right and who in the wrong? Would it make a difference about how she felt about Jay? Did she really want to know? What she had seen of her uncle, she had not liked. There seemed to be a threat in every word he had said. Perhaps it was better to remain in ignorance.

  There was a desk in the library and some pens and ink on it. She found some paper and began making a list of things in her brother’s favour and things against his release. When she had finished, she put the pen down with a heavy sigh.